Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG) is a renowned urban oasis that attracts millions of visitors each year. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all, the garden has established a set of rules and guidelines that visitors must follow. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a detailed understanding of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden rules, helping you plan your visit and ensure a seamless experience.
General Rules at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden has several general rules in place to maintain the integrity of the garden and the safety of its visitors. These rules include:
- Touching Plants: Visitors are strictly prohibited from touching, picking, or damaging any plants, flowers, or other vegetation within the garden.
- Feeding Wildlife: Feeding the wildlife or releasing animals within the garden is not allowed.
- Pets: Pets and emotional support animals are not permitted, with the exception of service animals.
- Recreational Equipment: Jogging, scooters, balls, and other recreational equipment are not allowed on the premises.
- Smoking and Vaping: Smoking and vaping are prohibited throughout the entire garden.
- Food and Beverages: Outside food and beverages, with the exception of bottled water, baby bottles, and pocket snacks for individuals with dietary restrictions, are not permitted.
- Sitting and Seating: Sitting on the grass is only allowed in designated areas, such as the Cherry Esplanade and the Discovery Garden. Blankets and folding chairs are not permitted.
- Attire: Visitors must wear shirts and shoes at all times.
- Audio Devices: Earphones are required for all electronic audio devices.
- Tripods and Easels: Tripods and easels are not allowed in certain areas, such as the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, the Conservatory, and flower beds.
- Commercial Photography: Commercial and portrait photography require prior arrangement and a permit.
Accessibility at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is committed to providing an accessible experience for all visitors. Some of the key accessibility features include:
- Wheelchair Accessibility: All entrances and most pathways are accessible to people in wheelchairs and those with other disabilities.
- Service Animals: Service animals are allowed and must meet specific criteria, such as being housebroken and not demonstrating aggressive behavior.
Other Guidelines and Policies
In addition to the general rules, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has the following guidelines and policies in place:
- Picnicking: Picnicking is not allowed within the garden.
- Strollers: Strollers are permitted on the grounds and in the Visitor Center, but not in the Steinhardt Conservatory Gallery or Garden Shop.
- Bikes and Scooters: Bikes and scooters are not allowed inside the garden, but bike racks are available near all entrances.
- Tree Climbing: Tree climbing is strictly prohibited for safety reasons.
Admission and Hours
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden has the following admission and hours policies:
- Admission Fees: Adults pay $22, students and seniors pay $16, and children under 12 are free.
- Hours of Operation: The garden is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and has seasonal hours for other days.
Photography at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden has specific guidelines for photography:
- Personal Photography: Visitors can take personal, nonprofessional photographs in all public areas, as long as they follow the garden’s rules and photo policies.
- Commercial Photography: Commercial and portrait photography require prior arrangement and a permit.
Accessibility Programs and Amenities
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden offers several accessibility programs and amenities to enhance the visitor experience:
- Education Programs: The garden provides learning opportunities for visitors of all ages and abilities.
- Alice Recknagel Ireys Fragrance Garden: This garden is designed for the visually impaired and features fragrant and tactile plants.
- Restrooms: Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are located in the Visitor Center, Conservatory, and other areas.
- Food and Beverages: Visitors can enjoy food and beverages at the Yellow Magnolia Café, Yellow Magnolia Canteen, and the Coffee Bar at the Visitor Center.
IDNYC Membership Benefits
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden participates in the IDNYC program, which offers the following benefits:
- Free Admission: IDNYC cardholders are eligible for free admission to the garden.
- Membership: IDNYC cardholders can apply for membership at other cultural institutions across the city.
Contact Information
For any questions or inquiries about the rules and policies at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, visitors can contact the garden at [email protected].